Notice, I call him, “Abba,” parenthetically because “Old Man Fisher” was a well known preacher among the Great Dismal Swamp Maroons. He was a self absconded enslaved man as those he ministered to. I’m not sure and have no record if the old man became one of the deep interior Maroons who had no interactions with any whites, one who assisted the shingle-cutting slaves, or if he lived in the fringes and used to raid nearby plantations at night. I intend to visit the new Great Dismal Swamp historical facility in late August or Early September. Perhaps there will be more information about him or some other Christian preachers on the VA and NC sides of the swamp.
“Abba” Fisher was not an Orthodox monk of the great Mt. Athos monasteries or even a dweller in the nearly inaccessible caves of an Ethiopian escarpment. Yet one quality he shares with the monastics of ancient Christianity is something that we are taught to have; determination in the renunciation of worldliness.
Sure, it’s easy for modern day African Americans to say we would gladly choose the dire hardships of the swamp than be enslaved. Oh really? Consider that not all slaves were completely brutalized. Shingle cutters, for example, were paid for their particular labor. Some blacks, such as Moses Grandy, served as canal boat captains and could purchase their freedom. An enslaved man who preached sermons that didn’t threaten the “peculiar institution” were a value among plantation owners who misused Christianity to keep their slaves in line. Fisher could have numbed himself to the inhumanity of the surrounding world and eked out a tolerable enslaved life.
Besides, the Great Dismal was uncomfortable at best and usually dangerous. Why take the risk of fleeing there when all a slave had to do was obey “massa” and work hard? He provided something to eat and a place to stay. A “good massa” might not even rape your wife or daughter or sell your kin too far away. “Massa” may even let you drink and smoke a little, “breed” a gal that’s “budding out,” let you sing and dance just to keep you happy with where you are. What would make Old Man Fisher want to give up a “good” life?
“Abba” Fisher understood there was a greater life than anything the world could give and he was determined to live it. That life came with the hazard of snakes, panthers, mosquitoes, and the occasional slave patroller (paddyroller) and snitch. But this preacher and other Maroons found how to be blessed in the swamp’s hardships. There was no time for gluttony, yet there was no shortage of food. Marriages were carefully maintained without heedless lust. Watchfulness had to be practiced even around kinfolk who weren’t dedicated to Maroonage. At times, some tools of the outsiders could be used for their benefit. Above all, God’s judgement was going to come upon the world and everyone, including the oppressed, would have to give an answer for how they lived.
Perhaps “Abba” Fisher heard and preached the story of Jesus walking on water and calling Peter to come out with Him. As long as the disciple kept his eyes on the Lord and walked in His direction, all was well. But he noticed the wind and waves. Paying attention to the distractions caused doubt to arise in him and he began to sink. Yes, Jesus saved Peter. But not without the chastising words, “You of little faith. Why did you doubt?” Perhaps by his life, we can learn from Abba Fisher; ignore the world’s distractions and live determined in the ways of God.
Desert Fathers Dispatch 